Members of the public are invited to have their say on 39 design proposals for the transformation of London’s Old Street roundabout to create a new ‘iconic gateway’ and public space.

Zaha Hadid Architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and HawkinsBrown are among the studios in contention for the high-profile scheme, which is being developed by Islington Council in partnership with the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and Hackney Council.

A public exhibition opens today (12 February) at 2-4 Old Street Yard, close to the roundabout, and will allow people to take a close look at the longlisted designs until 2 March.

An open call for design ideas for the project, called ‘the Old Street Iconic Gateway’, was launched in December, with more than 120 registrations of interest received. Participating architects were tasked with creating “innovative design concepts that encompass public art and embrace the spirit of ‘Tech City’ – the technological, economic and cultural powerhouse around Old Street.”

The outdated and intimidating roundabout is set to be demolished “to create a safer, more pleasant layout for people, which will be an improvement to the urban environment and quality of air within the public space.”

The north-western arm of the roundabout will be permanently closed, making space for a new pedestrianised public realm.

Segregated cycle lanes, surface-level pedestrian crossings and two new station entrances will also be created, with work starting later this year, and two-way traffic will be introduced at the site to improve accessibility and direct movement.

“Old Street is an iconic location, and its transformation will hugely improve the area for pedestrians, public transport users, cyclists and people who live and work nearby,” said Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport.

“We have had a huge interest in our design open call, and the public exhibition is a chance to have your say on the creation of an exciting, bold, iconic gateway – 39 innovative and inspiring ideas set out in one place, so you can help to shape the future of Old Street.”

London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “This transformation is going to make Old Street a more pleasant and safer place for all pedestrians and cyclists. It’s an area that is renowned for innovation so I’m really looking forward to seeing the range of ideas shortlisted and hearing Londoners' opinions about them.”

A judging panel, including Allison Dutoit from urban planning specialist Gehl Architects, will consider all the public feedback and decide on a shortlist, announced in late March.

"What defines BIG’s style of visual communication is that our diagrams clearly capture the essence of our projects, meaning that it’s very easy for people who don’t know our projects well to understand them."